For crying out CLOUD… the rain in Texas has been nonstop! Did you know that recent rainfall can increase the rates of parasites in your cattle? The Importance of Deworming & Parasitic Control in Livestock is crucial especially now.
Here are some reasons why deworming and parasitic control in your livestock is important:
Health and Welfare
Parasitic infestations can severely impact the health and welfare of livestock, including beef cattle. Internal parasites, such as worms, can cause poor growth, weight loss, reduced feed efficiency, anemia, and general debilitation. External parasites like ticks and lice can also cause discomfort and skin irritations. Farmers and ranchers can help maintain the health and well-being of their animals by implementing deworming and parasitic control measures.
Increased Productivity
Parasite infections can lead to reduced productivity in livestock. Infected animals may have reduced feed intake and nutrient absorption, resulting in poor growth rates and lower milk production in dairy cattle. Deworming and controlling parasites can help improve the productivity and efficiency of livestock by minimizing the negative impacts of parasites on their overall performance.
Prevention of Disease Transmission
Some parasites can act as vectors for various diseases that can affect both livestock and humans. For example, ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and babesiosis. By effectively controlling parasites through deworming and other control measures, the risk of disease transmission can be significantly reduced, protecting the health of both animals and humans.
Economic Benefits
Parasite infestations can lead to economic losses for livestock producers. Reduced weight gain, poor reproductive performance, increased veterinary expenses, and the cost of treating parasitic diseases can all impact the profitability of livestock operations. Implementing effective deworming and parasitic control strategies can help minimize these losses and optimize the economic viability of livestock enterprises.
Environmental Health
Parasite control in livestock is also important from an environmental perspective. Some parasites, particularly gastrointestinal worms, release large numbers of eggs or larvae onto pastures through animal feces. This can contaminate the environment, leading to increased parasite burdens for grazing animals and potentially spreading parasites to other livestock. Proper deworming and pasture management practices can help reduce parasite burdens on pastureland, improving overall environmental health.
It is important to note that deworming and parasitic control should be carried out based on a veterinarian’s guidance and in accordance with recommended protocols. This helps ensure the effective and responsible use of dewormers, minimizing the development of parasite resistance and promoting sustainable parasite control strategies.
LEARN THE VALUE OF YOUR RANCH OR HOME AT LEGACY BROKER GROUP’S VALUATION TOOL.
